Ok, stay with me---in a minute this will all make sense...

How my husband laughed a few weeks ago ever since my excitement dominated our home over World Cup.   But, then again, he didn’t watch Ted Lasso.  

Low and behold, he is now as enamored as I am.  (though he called the “Pitch” a “Field").  Rookie mistake.

BTW, those of you who know me and doubt online dating, that is where I met Jeff.  (Oh while I am at it, one marriage and 3 engagements thus far in June---and people question why I still do this???). I still get goosebumps.....

Ok, back to soccer…aka Football.

For the last few weeks, millions of us have been yelling at our TVs, questioning coaches we've never met, and confidently explaining why our team should have won.

Sound familiar?

After 33,000 first dates, founding It’s Just Lunch and 33000Dates.com, 97 podcast this year so far as a guest and the honor of being a guest on Oprah’s Show and her calling me the Top Dating Strategist in America, and 30+ years coaching singles, I've realized something:

Dating isn't much different than the World Cup.

The people who keep winning aren't necessarily the most talented. They're the ones with the best strategy.

Here are five lessons every single person should steal from soccer before their next date.

1. Stop Looking for the Perfect Match. Look for the Right Team.

The World Cup isn't won by 11 superstars. It's won by players who work together.

Dating is exactly the same.

You don't need the most attractive, richest, funniest, Ivy League, six-foot-three partner on Earth.

You need someone whose strengths fit your strengths—and whose weaknesses don't destroy your sanity.

Compatibility beats chemistry over the long haul.

2. Possession Wins Games. Showing Up Wins Relationships.

The teams that dominate possession create opportunities.

The singles who consistently meet new people create opportunities.

The person sitting at home waiting for "the universe" to deliver their soulmate is basically playing defense for 90 minutes.

No shots. No goals.

No dates. No relationship.

3. Every Missed Shot Isn't a Tragedy.

Even the greatest players miss.

A lot.

If one awkward first date convinces you that "dating is terrible," imagine if professional soccer players retired after missing one penalty kick.

Bad dates aren't failures.

They're scouting reports.

4. Red Cards Exist for a Reason.

In soccer, some behavior gets you thrown out immediately.

Dating should work the same way.

Lying.

Cruelty.

Chronic inconsistency.

Disrespect.

Stop explaining away obvious red flags because someone has great teeth or a vacation home in Tuscany.

5. The Fans Don't Play the Game.

Everyone has dating advice.

Your sister.

Your best friend.

Your coworker who's been divorced three times.

Your neighbor who's been married since disco.

None of them are actually on the field.

Take advice from people who consistently produce great outcomes—not the loudest opinions.

Final Whistle

Love isn't won by luck.

It's won by preparation, resilience, smart adjustments, and staying in the game long enough to score.

And unlike the World Cup...

You only have to win once.

OHHHHH, add on I just remembered that I LOVE....they never stop the clock. Hurray! Just like you shouldn't take a water break unless necessary...and never any commercials in real dating so get going....

xx,

Andrea

 Andrea McGinty

33000Dates.com Founder

It's Just Lunch Founder 1991 (sold a few years ago to a private equity firm)

33000 First Dates | 30+ years’ experience | 10,000 + Marriages. | 65% success rate |

Love isn’t Luck.  It’s Strategy.